How to Apply Tea Tree Oil for Ringworm

Unsightly and irritating ringworm can form anywhere on your skin.

Ringworm is a type of skin fungus that is very contagious and can form on any area of your body. Ringworm thrives in moist, warm areas of the body, as do most types of fungus. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as the tea tree. Tea tree oil has been used for medicinal purposes for many years, and is a safe and effective substance to use in the treatment of ringworm.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring spoon
• Tea tree oil
• Water
• Measuring cup
• Bowl
• Cotton swabs
• Towel
• Liquid hand soap

Instructions

1. Create a solution in which to soak and cleanse areas of your skin infected by ringworm. Mix 1 1/2 tbsp. tea tree oil in 1 cup of warm water in a bowl.

2. Submerge the affected ringworm area in the bowl of tea tree solution and allow it to soak for 10 minutes. Areas of your body that cannot be submerged can be treated by dipping cotton swabs into the tea tree solution and gently wiping it over the ringworm. Use clean cotton swabs and saturate the area, allowing it to remain wet with the solution for several minutes.

3. Remove the ringworm-infected area from the tea tree soaking solution and pat dry with a clean towel. There's no need to rinse or wash the tea tree solution off your skin. Repeat this procedure three to four times a day until the ringworm is gone.

4. Supplement your tea tree oil soaking solution with a washing solution. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to your liquid hand washing soap and mix thoroughly. Use this soap on the ringworm-infected area any time you need to wash.

Tips & Warnings

• Ringworm is highly contagious. Refrain from sending children infected with ringworm to school until the skin lesions clear up.

References

• Dr. Weil: Treating Ringworm With Tea Tree Oil
• Tea Tree Wonders: Treating Ringworm With Tea Tree Oil